The literary world is abuzz as the esteemed Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize announces its 2024 shortlist, honoring the year’s most rib-tickling reads. This who’s who of British humor writing spotlights comic masterminds David Nicholls, Dolly Alderton, Caroline O’Donoghue, and exciting newcomer Kaliane Bradley.
Laughter Is the Best Medicine
In a world that often feels heavy, the Wodehouse Prize celebrates those brave authors daring to make us chuckle, chortle, and guffaw. Chairperson of the judging panel, Peter Florence, hails the healing power of humor:
“The joy of this shortlist is the sheer variety of comedy in play. There are some wickedly funny concepts here, and some beautiful observational humor as characters fall through love and anxiety.”
Peter Florence, Judging Chair
Nicholls Leads the Pack
Leading the laugh pack is One Day author David Nicholls, shortlisted for his uplifting novel You Are Here. Nicholls spins a heartwarming tale of love unfolding during a 10-day walk through Northern England. One critic raves:
“For many it will be a comforting antidote to the grimness of our grim world.”
Lucy Atkins, The Guardian
Alderton Finds Humor in Heartbreak
Also vying for the top prize is the inimitable Dolly Alderton with Good Material. Alderton brings her signature wit to the story of Andy, a struggling 35-year-old comedian reeling from a breakup. Judge Pippa Evans notes:
“As ever with Alderton, there’s wisdom in amongst the hilarity as she explores the pressure for women to get down that aisle.”
Pippa Evans, Comedian & Judge
Beguiling Debuts & Marital Mischief
Rounding out the shortlist are Kaliane Bradley’s time-bending romance The Ministry of Time, previous Waterstones Debut Fiction Prize winner Ferdia Lennon with a Medea adaptation set in ancient Syracuse, Andrew Hunter Murray’s satirical look at the housing crisis A Beginner’s Guide to Breaking and Entering, O’Donoghue’s The Rachel Incident, and the first-ever nomination for a husband-wife writing duo, Chris and Jen Sugden, for High Vaultage.
Oinking All the Way to the Bank
What does the winner receive, you ask? In true Wodehousian fashion:
- A jeroboam of Bollinger Champagne
- The complete set of the Everyman’s Library PG Wodehouse collection
- A Gloucester Old Spot pig named after their novel (yes, really!)
The 2024 winner will snort victoriously at London’s tony House at St Barnabas on December 2nd. Will Nicholls triumph? Can Alderton squeal to victory? Stay tuned as this porcine pageant unfolds! One thing is certain: in a world weary of grim tidings, we could all use a few more reasons to laugh.
